Not all dogs will take to people right away or want to befriend everyone they meet. There are many reasons why a dog may feel uneasy when meeting someone new or encountering an unfamiliar situation. It could be the result of past trauma, or they might simply have a reserved personality. Whatever the case, there are many steps you can take to make your shy pooch feel more secure and at-ease. Here are a few:
1. Take your time.
Start by giving your pet lots of time and space to get to know you and perceive you as trustworthy. Rather than making all the decisions regarding pets and attention, let your canine choose when they want to approach you.
Get closer to their level and use a quiet, soothing voice when you interact with them. You can also offer a few treats or an interesting toy. This positive association with your presence will show that you’re a safe and caring person. Once their comfort level increases, you’ll start to see indications that they’re more relaxed in your company and curious about you.
Monitor your pup’s body language when you spend time with them. Do they look wary or avoid making eye contact? Is their tail between their legs or are their ears back? These are signs of nervousness or discomfort. Balance providing reassurance and respecting their limits.
2. Provide a safe space.
It’s importantthat your dog has their own private place to go where they can get away from the hustle and bustle of the household when they need to. Purchase a comfy dog bed and place it in the corner of a room where they can see what’s going on but remain sufficiently out of the way and undisturbed.
A crate with the door left open is another good idea, as it can offer a nice hiding place. Line it with soft blankets and put in a few small dog toys. Some dogs will even favor this spot when they feel like taking a nap or at bedtime.
3. Offer quiet walks.
There’s nothing like exploring the neighborhood together to strengthen the love between a dog and their owner. Getting outside for fresh air and exercise also allows your canine the chance to release anxious energy. As you traverse streets and parks in the area, they’ll receive exposure to different experiences and new smells. Start with the quieter places or a time of day when there are fewer people out and about.
Minimize noise by avoiding busy roadways and construction zones. Give your dog time to get the so-called daily doggie news by sniffing around trees and lamp posts. Until your dog becomes more confident, keep your distance from other people and their pets. You can bring a few pet snacks to distract your pooch in situations where they may be a bit nervous.
4. Build positive associations with treats.
Most dogs are food driven. Consider how canines seem to perk up when they believe it’s getting close to their meal times. Providing nourishment and favorite snacks is a sure-sign of love in their eyes and can help the bonding process.
While you should be careful not to overdo it with treats, they can be a great motivator to help your dog come out of their shell. Offer them a few small treats and then sit quietly nearby while your dog eats them, not invading their personal space. This will encourage them to feel safe and cared for.
Expect your pooch to be a little cautious at first as they check out the food, and don’t be put off if they’ve rejected something. Experiment with different kinds of treats or canine-safe fruits and vegetables. Over time, you’ll both discover their favorite types of treats.
5. Take note of your dog’s triggers.
Despite your best efforts to make your canine companion feel more comfortable and confident, there will be circumstances that cause them to become shy or nervous. When you observe this behavior, assess what is happening in the environment. Has a guest come to your home that your pet hasn’t met before? Is there more activity in the dog park than usual? Do what you can to put your pet at ease, including taking them out of the situation, if necessary.
6. Respect your dog’s stress threshold.
Although training your pet to become less anxious means occasionally putting them outside their comfort zone, this should be done gently, gradually, and with compassion. If your dog is showing signs of feeling overwhelmed and you don’t take action to alleviate their distress, you’ll have an even harder time helping them to feel less shy. The stress of not being able to escape something unpleasant can cause a negative association.
Additionally, forced exposure to stimuli or situations that make your dog anxious or scared can induce learned helplessness, wherein the dog mentally shuts down and stops resisting. Dogs in this state may appear calm and no longer bothered, but it is actually a freeze response based on fear and mental exhaustion. Learned helplessness can exacerbate a dog’s anxieties or even cause new insecurities.
In closing. Regardless of how your dog responds to your efforts to ease their shyness, it’s critical that you remain patient and positive. Bonding with a bashful pup can take a bit longer but it’s well worth the effort.